End of January Sunday

[avalen]

Good morning ladies
will be a busy day today, lots to catch up on as I spent the day yesterday having fun. Breakfast at Flapjacks in Fountain Hills and then watch the fountain shoot off its 562 feet of water. Always an incredible sight and the second time I've watched it.
Then we took a drive around some of my favorite places, Canyon Lake of course, walked around the marina making plans
for a boat launch in the near future. Gonna go fishing soon Life has definitely changed for me, and of course for the better Maggie too, she gets so excited now when my friend Bill comes over, pesters him to no end wanting to sit on his
lap.
It was supposed to maybe rain today here but the update doesn't show that. Maybe some rain tomorrow though. No matter, I'll be inside doing laundry and a few other chores today and of course work tomorrow. Hear the kitty scratching at the door wanting in, and time for a refill on coffee, y'all have a great day, be safe and be warm.

[BirdbyBird]

So nice to hear of the sunshine in your world, Alice. You deserve some of life's fairer weather. Keep this up and these last year/months of work will fly by much quicker than you thought.

Today is the last dog show for this Florida trip. Josef has done very well for being such a young puppy and really has great promise. We did have fun. On Friday he went Best of Breed from the classes....over Specials. One special was Audrey so that wasn't too exciting but the male Special was one of last year's top ten English Cockers. Yes, Friday's judge really really liked him.

After today they all get to turn back into hiking and walking around town dogs. Audrey can go back to collecting fine sticks and Josef may need to begin some obedience lessons to help his brain focus a little better. Ah, puppy brains.

Hope everyone has a great day.

[Oma]

Good morning,
So glad to hear you are enjoying yourself, Alice! Lots of fun happening in your life. Enjoy!
We're in Orlando this weekend at youngest son's house. He and Dave are rearranging the garage. We will be storing a few things there. Just two cabinets worth and that'll be all I have from my "old" life.
Sounds like our northern friends are shoveling snow now. The weather has been strange everywhere I think. Hope our Florida winter has finally arrived. I miss the little to no rain and 70* winters we've had in the past.
We will be leaving Florida in mid March after the Sebring races. Dave and I will be camp hosting at Cunningham Falls state park in Maryland for April and May. National Dutch Oven Gathering at Loudenville, Ohio the end of June and then we're headed to Mile High Campground between Cherokee and Maggie Valley, NC. Stop in and say hi!
Oma/Vicki

Looks like Tina squeezed in before me. Glad to hear the dogs did so well. Looking forward to seeing you at HL next month.

[Colliemom]

Good Morning ladies,

Alice, nice to see you start Morning Coffee. You sound so upbeat and happy right now. It's so nice. Like Tina said, you need some fair weather in your life, heaven knows you have had enough storms. Tina, sounds like you had fun at the shows too. Audrey sounds like Molly with the fine sticks only Molly doesn't care what kind they are. She would haul out half a tree if she could From skimming yesterday's posts, seems like there are a few decisions needing to be made, few auto issues or friends auto issues, and what not going on out there. Hope they all get settled. Vickie, you and Dave are going to be busy. Enjoy.

I have some news on this end too. Molly and I took a ride yesterday to SW part of Michigan. And when we came home, we brought her little 6 month old half sister Piper back with us. She's a Tri Color collie pup, and at the moment sleeping on the floor in here. She's a bit timid and there are a lot things she has yet to get acquainted with, but she loves Molly ad follows her everywhere. I think it is a match made in heaven for them. They have been doing their fair share of romping through the snow in the yard since yesterday. Going to be some learning curves going on here these next few months And lots of exploring in her future too. Posted a picture in the Pets section.

Project for today is rake snow off my trailer roof Decided to take it down as more is coming and there's almost a foot and a half on there now. Won't take long. We are having a January thaw and temps have been in the 40's, so things are melting down which is good. Sounds like big storm coming about Tuesday. Rain showers for later today, so want to do that other job before that starts.

So, with that. I am heading to get cleaned up and get to work. Maybe a dog walk in the afternoon, we shall see. Have a wonderful Sunday all.

[Olive6001]

Alice, you sound like you're glowing! So happy for you. Tina, congrats to you and Josef and Audrey. Oma, sounds like you have a full schedule.

Nothing interesting going on around here. Supposed to get into the 80s. I could put on a bikini and rake leaves
Got bleach spots on my favorite sweater yesterday. Bummer. Olive deigned to cuddle this morning and that's always nice. She lies as close to me as she can get and Matty jumps on her head. Great way to start the day.

Sue, you posted while I was writing. Congrats! How wonderful for you and Molly.

Everybody travel safe, or sit in front of the TV safe, or whatever safe.

Nikki

[Othersharon]

Good morning! Alice, sounds like you have some good things happening in your life! Enjoy, you deserve it! And Sue, a new fur baby! She's beautiful and bet she and Molly will be great friends. BJ, what a bad day your friend had. Hope she and pup are better today. CArol, hope your noise turns out to be something minor so you can continue on your trip and you don't have to leave too much $$ with them. Nikki, GS will be 9 on Tuesday. He certainly keeps me on my toes when he's around and I love the memories I'm making with him! Tina, sounds like you and the pups had a good end to the shows. Josef sounds like a champ in the making!

The pups and I took a ride north of here yesterday. It was such a beautiful day and a great day to just drive. A big surprise was gas for 1.67 just into NY! Our gas here has just hit 1.99 so I took advantage of the lower price! Hope they stay lower when it's time to take the RV out! And I did get the yuck off the car when I got back here. The carwash was really busy! Guess everyone had the same idea! I was glad to get some of it off the underneath of the car since it's supposed to be so bad for vehicles.

Not planning much today. I need to finish a couple of things I started the other day but that's about it! Hope you all have a good day and be safe and warm!

[BarbaraRose]

Good morning on the last day of January! Don't forget to say "RABBITS" tomorrow, first thing!

It is sunny here and another day around 40 degrees! Last week they were saying we were going back into the deep freeze next week but now it looks like we will be staying in the 20's, which is tolerable. It rained here yesterday so much of what little snow we had, melted. Can see grass out back here. Maybe a little snow coming on Tuesday.

Ava, glad to hear you are having fun and making plans with your new friend. Sounds like Sue and Molly have a new friend too!

I have been having issues with pain in my joints lately (always have, but it is getting worse). Especially after a long, busy day at work like we had yesterday. Am starting to think I may need to look into another line of work (off my feet) in the future and maybe just cut hair part time. Any ideas about how to deal with joint pain? I soaked in a long hot bath last night in Epsom salts but still woke up to pain in my bad knee. I have a soft knee brace on it now. Am hoping exercise helps since I am planning to join a fitness center this week.

Am planning to go to the Camping & RV show in a couple weeks here in Mpls. Should be fun to look around again at the travel trailers. I have a friend who makes the little teardrop trailers with his brother. They are at the show every year and have crowds of people at their booth all the time. Those things would be way too small for me since I am claustrophobic, but they are cute!

Nothing much going on here in the first half of the day. Slept in this morning so will just have enough time to do laundry and dishes before heading off to our belated Christmas party at my co-workers "Diva Den" . She really loved the sign I made for her!

Hope you all have a good day

[Birdie]

Good morning from a very warm South Texas where it is currently a very nice 80* with a very bright sun and not a cloud to be seen. May hit 90* today. However, this will last only two more days as a cold front will be heading into town and temps will drop 20-25*' only reaching mid 60's. Loving this Texas winter. May get out and do laundry today. Headed for birds tomorrow probably back to South Padre Island...woo Hoo! Will fix some country ribs for 'slupper' little later today. Sure feeling cold for some of you northern ladies. Plenty of space here in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, LRGV, also known as 'the valley'. Looks like the fur babies are having a good time with their hoomans. Can't wait for Nikki to get on down here for a couple of days. For you traveling be safe, sitting still have fun!

[IrishIroamed]

Mornin' (?) ladies ~~~

Yes Alice, you definitely a happy sound to your start of MC. Good for you! I agree with Sue that you were well overdue for some sunshine. And Maggie approves too! You know what they say if dogs like someone they are good folk.

Did some errands today. I really hate having to go to 3 different grocery stores for some things. You'd think the big stores would carry just about everything, but No!!!!!

And Sue!!! Your Molly has a sister! WooHoo. I remember you were thinking about it. Will be looking for pics once I post this. Congrats!

Dogs and stick stories remind me of Molly. She loved her sticks. I had a tree blow down in my back yard, and when Dad and I were cutting it up, and stacking the wood on the patio, turned around to see Molly taking the logs off! She thought they were all for her! Yup, will miss her for the rest of my days.

Punkin had his first trip to CW yesterday. Store was packed so put him in a cart. Thankfully, I had his harness on and my hand on the leash because he decided to take a flying jump out of the cart in front of the service counter. I was able to cushion his jump because of the harness, but the service guys were amazed that he did it and said he's going to be a good camping dog because he's fearless. So yes Tina, puppy brain here too. He stayed in the cart for the rest of the shopping though.

Made my appointment to get Colt dewinterized already. Wishful thinking for a warmer, less rainy Spring than last year. Hoping to get a reservation. Chain-O-Lakes SP has openings, but waiting because I'd like to get to a different loop that's not open yet.

If Kathy gets a Halloween GTG going and you can make it Beth, I'll tell Roxanne. Maybe she'd come camping with me for a weekend and get to visit.

That's about it for today. Off to training with Punkin in a bit. Have a good day everyone and stay safe on the roads.

[MandysMom]

Barbie asked about knee suggestions. Here is what helps me.
1. Best shoes I can get. For me that is fitted by Fleet Feet store people. I hated spending over $100 for shoes, until 6 hours into wearing my first pair I realized my knee pain was gone. It came back 6 mo later and that is when I learned the lesson of rotating shoes so the padding in them gets true recovery time. Good shoes, fitted by someone,who has you walk barefoot while they evaluate your gait, then measures carefully is essential to your knees.
2. A supplement called Glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM helps many. It's an anti inflammatory combo. Part is shell fish derived so if allergic to shellfish that's out. Studies at university ( one big study was here in my area at UCDavis Medical School) showed at 7 weeks into taking it, it becomes more effective than Motrin with knee pain, and by that point of continuous taking, Motrin begins to damage stomach lining in some people. Available at Costco, Amazon, and most groceries and pharmacies, but do some reading online about brands.
3. The right exercise helps. Walking helps, which is different than just standing ( as in cutting hair) as walking builds muscle. Be sure to talk about your knee pain with your trainers at your fitness place as they may have suggestions.
4. Ice helps to reduce swelling and pain. 20 min on at a time and protect your skin from direct contact. I like the freezable gel packs from Walmart and keep at least one in freezer all the time as they are useful and mold able even frozen.
5. If nothing else helps, talk to your doctor to make sure there is nothing mechanically or physically ( such as worn out cartilage) causing the problem.
6. Chiropractors can be helpful, but I avoid those who want to sign you up to return over and over as in a contract and I never buy shoes from them, though some carry them, they are way marked up in price.
Hope something here helps.
Velda

[cnq50b]

Good morning, everyone.
Enjoying a rare rainy day here in LA.

Ave, I agree with the others, happy to see you so happy. It's defintiely about time & well-deserved.
And Sue, your new pup is beautiful - glad for you.
Nice to see Sarah get started southward-bound. Take good care of yourself - just don't push it.
Barbie, hope your knees feel better soon - I can't imagine how tough it would be to be on my feet all day long. And try to leave your money at home when you go to that RV show.
Velda, you sound like you really know what your'e talking about - we might all benefit from your advice.
Tina, sounds like your pups did well & will enjoy being camping pups again shortly.
Lot of puppy training going on - just glad I'm not involved with that.

We did end up going to the dog beach yesterday. Just cant' resist... Only problem was the tide was so high there wasn't much beach to speak of. We sat & enjoyed the waves coming almost all the way to where we were sitting & watching folks trying to get to the next portion of the beach by walking thru the water as the tide went out only to get hit with sudden bigger waves as they crashed on the rocks. I wanted to shout at them to 'run'!!!! I'm always delighted with Sadie's behavior there - romping off for a bit of fun with other dogs but always coming right back to my side. She surely is the best dog ever!

Hope you all stay safe & warm.
Take care, Catherine

[Acadianmom]

Sue, your new puppy is beautiful.

I got back from my weekend trip a couple of hours ago. The weather was much better than last weekend. I still had some capris in my camper so I was back to short pants and sandals again. My kind of weather. My nose was really running this morning but has finally stopped. Must have been an allergy or the dust from the junk stores we were in yesterday. I have lived here over 40 years and have never been in some of the stores we went to. Some of these ladies are always looking for things for their vintage campers. The cats were glad to see me. They all had to take a turn sitting with me. Their "staff" hadn't cleaned their boxes again.

Barbie, do you have one of the foam mats to stand on? I couldn't do all that standing in one place. Walking doesn't bother me but to just stand for a long time kills me.

Hard to believe a month is gone already.

Martha

[JudyJB]

Sue, congrats on the new family member!

And Barbara Rose, do be careful of the exercises you do at the fitness club. Should limit running and anything that causes impact on your knees. Bike riding and most other things are fine. You have a job that no way could I ever do because you spend all day on your feet! You might need to consider a desk job, but in the meantime, you could see a rheumatologist.

I am really late logging in, but I slept in, got packed up, stopped at a couple of stores, and got settled in a new campsite at Boulder along Lake Mead, the one without hookups. Not very busy here, and I was able to find a spot where my generator did not face any other rigs. It is blowing like crazy here--rained a bit earlier and probably going to rain soon again. The strong wind has kicked up a lot of dust and sand, so you can barely see the mountains and not the lake at all!! Rocking and rolling for tonight, I suspect. At least I am backed up to the wind instead of sideways to it.

[Bethers]

Alice, Alice, Alice - Flapjacks without me? Kidding - and yes, glad you went there and that you're happy. But how is it I've seen that fountain more times than you? lol

Sue, I'm excited about your having a 2nd pup - such fun!

Windy as all get out in SE Arizona today - was to be a day off for me, but my phone rang about 8:30 this morning - my coworker asked if I'd work for her - so I had to rush to be at work by 9 - Peaches had to eat before her walk - because her walk got shortened, and she came to work with me. Luckily my bosses let me take off for a few hours after the guests had checked out - and I took another coworker to Whitewater Wash to see the thousands of sandhill cranes. We saw them, but because of our late start, they'd already all flown back in - which is so amazing to watch. She'll have to go back - I know I will ... And they did come back on the early side for them - probably because of the wind, also.

Then that same co-worker I took to Whitewater fixed a Louisiana style boil while I did my short afternoon stint back in the office. Yum ... except I ate too much. Then I walked Peaches in the wind - and we are rocking and rolling - and I'm hoping she'll be happy with that walk for the rest of the night. I know, that's dreaming, but next one will be very, very short.

[Redetotry]

I'm way late but just getting here to read what's going on. Way to go Josef!! What a great debut to the show world. Ava so happy for you, you sound very happy.
Barbie, I just heard a report on NPR this week talking about the benefits of meditation. When you meditate you bring your stress levels down and bringing your stress levels down lowers your blood pressure and the inflammation caused by stress. The inflammation causes joint pain.You don't have to do it for long and after 2 weeks they can now see a difference in the brains. One way is to just sit and bring your focus to your breath. If other thoughts cross your mind just let them float by and bring your awareness back to the breath. Notice where you are breathing, up high in your chest or is the breath going on down into the abdominal area. Try to this just for a few minutes several times every day. Here is a link to Dr. weil's breathing exercises.http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/th ... cises.html Here is a page from UCLA called Free Guided Meditations I haven't listened to any of them but looks like a good selection. http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22 I just Googled breathing meditation videos.

A nice ending for my friend who had all the car issues I mentioned the other day. She went to get a new tire at a place a couple she dog sits for recommended. When they were finished putting the tire on she asked how much she owed them and they told her nothing, that her friends had already paid for the tire.